Return to the land that holds my Heart.

I am officially back in Japan, and now my sister has taken over putting my blog posts up again. I am so happy to be back here!! Everything is familiar and it feels great. The streets, food, smells, people, scenery, everything!!! I came over with a group of missionaries from the MTC. Once we get to the Mission Home, generally the Japanese missionaries who do not know English are quiet during moments where we can talk. This time, since I had some experience with the language, I was actually able to communicate with them somewhat. I even served as  a source of translation once or twice when communication was needed later at night when getting ready to crash. It was an enjoyable experience. Apparently, I have been blessed with even faster Japanese language recall then I anticipated. 

My first area I have been called to serve in is Fukuoka, Fukuoka City!!! I am 20 minutes from the temple and mission home, there are abut 14 missionaries total on the area, AND I go to church with the Mission President and his wife! How amazing is that? It really brings a sense of peace and focus to be able to see them more often. My companion, Wilson Shimai, is amazing. She is from Utah and we have so much in common. She is friendly and we have had a lot of fun together in the short time we have been companions thus far. It is going to be a very enjoyable experience working with her.

I am SO HAPPY to be back doing the work of the Lord. I am happy to be back in MY mission, Japan, Fukuoka working with the Mission President and missionaries that I know. This is an amazing work and this gospel is PERFECT. Never forget that. A knowledge of the gospel is the most valuable thing anyone could ever have on this planet. Cherish it, live it, share it!!

A Call for Optimisim

I never anticipated being home for six months. Before I left Japan to come back home, I expressed to my companion that I was stressed about not being in an environment immersed in the Japanese language for 3... long.... months. 6 months later, although I have lost some of the language, as I have studied, my recall has been very solid and quick. I am so grateful and happy that I will be returning to the original mission the Lord has extended to me; the Japan Fukuoka Mission. I have 6 months completed and 1 year left to go and serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. I know that my first transfer back will probably leaving me feeling like some weird  version of  green bean, but I am confident now that I will be able to tackle it. I am BEYOND excited to return, anxious, but very excited. I am excited to jump back into the life of a missionary in Japan. 

Sometimes things happen in our life that we cannot change or control, but we can control how we react to those things. What I have learned is to choose to be optimistic. No matter what the situation or trial is I promise that you will be able to find something positive in it or out of it. The key thing is you have to exert effort to look for it. I have been told on more than one occasion that I am an optimistic person and I intend to uphold that image no matter what my mission or life in general throws at me. It is honestly just the easier and less taxing way to go in the end. The next time a challenge or trial comes your way try to look for a positive note or silver lining. We cannot always change our circumstances or challenges, but we can always change our attitude and thoughts concerning them. That I promise, is where you will receive power in the challenges of your life.